seconds
less than a minute
time it takes to cross threshold
from one room to another
life changes
voice stolen
gone
unexpected words
spoken in anger
have power to stop any motion
power to steal any utterance
vocalization
a thing of the past
articulation arrested
stunted
swallowed in disbelief
frantic heartbeat
racing thoughts
no sound escapes lips
seared together
saliva fled along with speech
flaming cheeks
follow flash of insight
no rebuttal will be justly heard
knowledge of necessary decision
crystal clear
in order to save
authentic self
ScribbleDartsfromtheHeart 
This is another, I suspect, very personal and definitely powerful poem, Mary. So many wonderful lines here. I am struck by your words, “articulation arrested/stunted/swallowed in disbelief” and with your entire last stanza. “No rebuttal will be justly heard” is another wonderfully worded line. If you are indeed looking at a “necessary decision” then I pray it will be guided by God. Blessings.
Thanks for your support, Meghan